Took 10 weeks when my second son was born and it was amazing but man, coming back to work was a reality check. Coworkers had already filled my projects, my inbox had 800 emails, and I'm so tired from nighttime feedings that I can barely focus. My wife says the baby phase goes fast but right now I'm exhausted and feel behind at work. How long did it take you guys to feel normal again?
Dude, 10 weeks is great but yeah that re-entry is brutal. I came back after my second and felt like I was starting from scratch on everything. Just give it a few weeks to find your new rhythm with work and the kids.
10 weeks with a newborn is something special though. Yeah you'll have to hustle to catch up at work, but at least you got that time with your boy. That's the trade I'd make every time.
That's tough man. I took similar time off and the hardest part was realizing everyone just moved on without me. But honestly, your kids are worth it. The work stuff always figures itself out eventually.
Those 10 weeks hit different, don't they? Coming back is rough because you realize what you were actually there for. I took my time when my second was born too and the transition back was like waking up from a dream. How many weeks back in are you now?
This. I remember going back after my first and feeling like I was missing everything. The emails and meetings just felt pointless compared to what was happening at home. Does your job offer any flexibility or are you stuck in the traditional office grind?
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The contrast is brutal. You get to be fully present for 10 weeks and then you're back to staring at spreadsheets. I bet you're still thinking about stuff from home during meetings. That fades a little but yeah, those first few weeks back are the hardest.